A Mediterranean Adventure on P&O Azura
We're big P&O fans but this was our first time on Azura, one of their medium sized ships.
What a wonderful journey we’ve had! Our adventure began with an early departure from Manchester and a safe arrival in sunny Malta, where we boarded P&O Azura. With the ship not sailing until evening, we enjoyed a stroll through Valletta, visiting the Barrakka Gardens just in time for the traditional battery salute, before taking a charming horse and carriage ride around the city.
The following day at sea was surprisingly calm and relaxed. We shared breakfast with fellow travellers, joined quizzes, soaked up the sunshine, and cheered Cam on in an archery competition. The evening was a highlight, with a formal dinner and front-row seats to Billy and Louie from The Voice — a fantastic performance.
Montenegro greeted us with breathtaking scenery as we sailed into the Bay of Kotor. With long tender queues ashore, we chose to stay onboard, enjoying the peace of a quiet ship, delicious meals, and plenty of games. A music quiz win capped off the day perfectly.
Next came Dubrovnik, Croatia, which truly lived up to the hype. We explored the city by bus tour to escape the heat, wandered the Old Town, and enjoyed refreshing drinks before returning to the ship for a relaxed afternoon.
Corfu was our next stop. While it didn’t capture our hearts quite as much, we still enjoyed sightseeing by bus and a leisurely afternoon onboard. That evening offered plenty of entertainment, from comedians to tribute acts — we opted for a brilliant Cher performance by Rachel Hawnt, which was a real treat.
Taranto, Italy, proved a quieter day. We stayed onboard, enjoying the ship’s facilities, a formal evening, and more shows. Sometimes the best days are the ones spent simply unwinding.
Our final sea day was bittersweet. We packed our bags, savoured the last sunshine, and even managed another quiz win before heading home.
Reflections
This cruise gave us a wonderful mix of lively ports, peaceful sea days, and unforgettable entertainment. From the fjord-like beauty of Kotor to the bustle of Dubrovnik, each stop offered something unique. And onboard, the atmosphere, food, and company made every day special.
It’s hard to believe how quickly the week flew by — but that’s the magic of cruising. Until the next adventure!